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Hoops Rumors Live Chat: 5/18/2021
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Andrew
12:39
What coaches or players in the play-in games have the most riding on the outcome? Do you think the results will impact any particular extension, signing, trades, being let go, or other impacts?
Luke Adams
12:40
I'm not sure if any front offices are going to make decisions based on one or two games, but if I were Nate Bjorkgren or Scott Brooks, I'd be feeling a lot of pressure to get through to the playoffs.
12:41
As for roster shakeups, I don't see the play-in having a major impact on those. The Celtics already know they'll need to make changes, for instance -- it won't make much of a difference if they lose the play-in or if they win the play-in and then lose in 5 games in the first round.
LeChaos
12:41
Is LeBron just silently writing his greatest underdog masterpiece or are the Lakers in real trouble?
Luke Adams
12:42
The Lakers are in trouble, but they're also extremely well positioned to overcome that trouble. Assuming they win tomorrow, they'd get the Suns (a good team, but a playoff newcomer) and then maybe the Nuggets (again, a good team, but missing Murray) in the first two rounds. I think they might be favored in both of those matchups.
12:43
The West as a whole is still stronger than the East, but imagine if the Lakers were in the same spot in the East, facing the possibility of the Nets in the first round and the Bucks in the second. They'd be in a whole lot more trouble in that scenario.
Listencat
12:44
Do you foresee in the next four years if either Utah and/or Portland go into luxury tax territory?
Luke Adams
12:45
I believe the Jazz are in luxury tax territory this year! And the Blazers have been in there in recent years. Their attitudes toward the tax seem to be the same as a lot of smaller-market teams -- they're not going to go in as deep as the Warriors have, but it's worthwhile to go a little into the tax if they feel they have a chance at a title. I wouldn't expect that attitude to change in the next few years.
12:46
I have to duck out a little early today, but thanks to everyone who submitted questions and who joined us today. By the time we reconvene next week, the first round of the playoffs will be well underway!
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